Intrauterine device removal system protection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surgical device for the protection of intrauterine device removal threads during surgical procedures, the device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and a retriever coupled to the distal end of the shaft and having; a flange projecting therefrom, a proximal aperture, and a distal aperture.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to and/or the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/806,618 filed Feb. 15, 2019.The foregoing application is incorporated by reference in its entiretyas if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a medical device, and morespecifically, to a device for the protection of intrauterine device(“IUD”) removal threads.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to a medical device, and morespecifically, to a device for the protection of intrauterine deviceremoval threads. Specific details of certain embodiments of theinvention are set forth in the following description and in the figuresto provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The presentinvention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without oneor more of the details described for any particular describedembodiment, or may have any detail described for one particularembodiment practiced with any other detail described for anotherembodiment.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a shaft and a retriever atthe distal end of the shaft with a flange or other means configured tobe able to grasp IUD threads. The retriever may be conical in shape,formed by a singular, substantially rectangular piece of a predominantlyrigid substance rolled into a cone shape with some space between theoverlapping surfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolledsubstance may then be flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excesspiece of material protruding off of it. A user or practitioner uses thedevice by placing the retriever near or inserting the at least the tipof the retriever into the cervix of a patient, and rotating the deviceso that the flange of the retriever catches the patient's intrauterinedevice threads and allows them to be pulled into the cone. Inside thecone the threads are protected from damage during surgery.

For example, in a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (“LEEP”),sometimes referred to as a Large Loop Excision of the TransformationZone (“LLETZ”), a loop of metal is charged with electricity and used toshave away abnormal tissue from the cervix. During this procedure, theretrieval threads of the IUD can be inadvertently cut, or in certaincircumstances cutting the IUD threads may be unavoidable. In thosesituations, the damaged IUD threads make it difficult for a practitionerto later retrieve or manipulate the IUD and can lead to increaseddiscomfort and cost to a patient. By shielding the IUD removal threadsthe potential discomfort and cost are prevented. Similarly, in otherprocedures such as a conization, cold knife conization, or in certainvaginal rejuvenation procedures the devices and tools used can riskdamaging the IUD removal threads. The present invention may also beuseful in future procedures that take place near or are directed to thecervix.

In some embodiments, the invention is comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP. In some embodimentsthe device may be comprised of an electroconductive material forprocedures not involving electricity, or where electrical cauterizationis not necessary. In some embodiments the device is comprised of one ormore materials from the list including, but not limited to,non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, or glass. In someembodiments, the device is constructed as a single unit, whereas inother embodiments the components of the device may be separate and/ormay be comprised of different materials. In some embodiments the deviceis disposable, while in other embodiments it is meant for repeated use.In some embodiments, specific components of the device, such as theretriever or the shaft are configured to be reused while others may bedisposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device and the length of theretriever vary. In some embodiments the device ranges from one inch toeighteen inches long, while the retriever may vary from one-half inch totwelve inches long.

In some embodiments, the retriever is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times, oronly once, depending on the needs of the situation. In some embodiments,the retriever is of a different shape than conical; it may be selectedfrom the list including, but not limited to, cylindrical, frustum,cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever, when unrolled, may take a variety ofshapes including, but not limited to, triangle, rectangular, square,circular, a regular or irregular polygon of n sides, or a hybrid orcombination thereof.

In some embodiments the shaft is configured to be telescoping or tobreak on a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of a device for the protection ofintrauterine device removal threads;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an example of a device for the protectionof intrauterine device removal threads;

FIG. 4A shows a step in a method of using a device for the protection ofintrauterine device removal threads;

FIG. 4B shows a step in a method of using a device for the protection ofintrauterine device removal threads;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads; and

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to a medical device, and morespecifically, to a device for the protection of intrauterine deviceremoval threads. Specific details of certain embodiments of theinvention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-7 toprovide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The presentinvention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without oneor more of the details described for any particular describedembodiment, or may have any detail described for one particularembodiment practiced with any other detail described for anotherembodiment.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “a” and “an”are taken to mean “one”, “at least one” or “one or more”. Unlessotherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall includepluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to”. Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural and singular number, respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” and “below” and words ofsimilar import, when used in this application, shall refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of theapplication.

For the purpose of this description, the terms “proximal” and “distal”shall be understood as being in reference to the user of the device.Thus, something described as “proximal” shall be understood to be closerto a user than something that is described as “distal.”

The detailed description provided below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is notintended to represent the only forms in which the present example may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of theexample and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating theexample. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may beaccomplished by different examples.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft 102 with a proximal end anda distal end 106, and 125 a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft 102. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe 130 flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft 102 areconfigured to be reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft 102 is configured to be telescoping orbreak on a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft 102 is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

In some examples the device 100 may comprise a substantially cylindricalshaft 102 having a proximal end and a distal end 106; and a retriever108 comprising a substantially square, flat surface with an outer edge,an inner edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, rolled into a spiral shapecoupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft and having; a semi-circularflange 110 projecting from a proximal point on the outer edge, aproximal aperture 112 formed by the bottom edge, and a distal aperture114 configured to be smaller than the proximal aperture 112 and formedby the top edge.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of a device for the protection ofintrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft 102 with a proximal end anda distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft 102. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft 102 areconfigured to be reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft 102 is configured to be telescoping orbreak on a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft 102 is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an example of a device for the protectionof intrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft 102 with a proximal end 300and a distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft 102. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft 102 areconfigured to be reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft 102 is configured to be telescoping orbreak on a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft 102 is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a method of using a device for the protection ofintrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft with a proximal end 300 anda distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft are configured tobe reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft is configured to be telescoping or breakon a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft with a proximal end 300 anda distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft are configured tobe reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non- symmetrical around an inner axis.In some embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft is configured to be telescoping or breakon a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft with a proximal end 300 anda distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft are configured tobe reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft is configured to be telescoping or breakon a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example of a device for theprotection of intrauterine device removal threads.

In some embodiments, the device for the protection of intrauterinedevice removal threads 100 comprises a shaft with a proximal end 300 anda distal end 106, and a retriever 108 having a flange 110 projectingtherefrom and a proximal aperture 112 and a distal aperture 114, saidretriever 108 being coupled to the distal end 106 of the shaft. Theretriever 108 may be conical in shape, formed by a singular,substantially rectangular piece of a predominantly rigid substancerolled into a cone shape with some space between the overlappingsurfaces of the piece. The outer edge of the rolled substance may thenbe flanged, notched, or otherwise have an excess piece of materialprotruding off of it as the flange 110. A user or practitioner uses thedevice 100 by inserting at least the tip of the retriever 108 intoand/or near the cervix of a patient and rotating the device so that theflange 110 of the rolled substance catches the patient's intrauterinedevice (“IUD”) threads and allows them to be pulled into the retriever108. Inside the retriever 108 the threads are protected from damageduring surgical procedures.

The flange 110 may project at an angle partially or completelytangential to the edge of the retriever 108, partially or completelyperpendicular to the edge of the retriever 108, or at another anglealtogether. The flange 110 may be straight; may curve inward followingthe curve of the retriever 108 or may curve away from the retriever 108;may bend one or more times at an angle along a curved or straight path;or may involve a combination or hybrid thereof. The flange 110 may curvein one or more opposing directions at points along its length; it mayhave a wave-pattern curve wherein one end is curved different fromanother, such as in a helix pattern. The flange 110 may have hooks,notches, apertures, or other additional features to facilitate captureof the intrauterine device threads. The aforementioned features may belocated anywhere on the flange 110 including, but not limited to, at aproximal or distal end, at any point along an edge, or internal to theflange 110. In some embodiments there may be additional flanges 110including, but not limited to, two or three additional flanges 110. Insome embodiments the flanges 110 may have a smooth edge, or may have ajagged, saw-toothed, or other design of edge. In some embodiments theflange 110 may be a half or quarter circle (or some portion of acircle), square, triangular, or any other polygonal shape.

In some examples the device 100 may be comprised of a material that isnot electroconductive in order to prevent any electrical charge fromflowing from the loop to the device during a LEEP or other procedure.The device 100 may, in some examples, be comprised of anelectroconductive material for procedures not involving electricity, orwhere electrical cauterization is not necessary. The device 100 may becomprised of one or more materials from the list including, but notlimited to, non-conductive metals, plastics, silicone, composites, orglass. Some examples of the device 100 may be constructed as a singleunit, whereas in other examples the components of the device may beseparate and/or may be comprised of different materials. In someembodiments the device 100 is disposable, while in other embodiments itis meant for repeated use. For some examples, the specific components ofthe device 100, such as the retriever 108 or the shaft are configured tobe reused while others may be disposable.

In some embodiments the length of the device 100 and the length of theretriever 108 vary. In some embodiments the device 100 ranges from oneinch to eighteen inches long, while the retriever 108 may vary fromone-half inch to twelve inches long. In some embodiments the retriever108 may be trumpeted in shape, having an uneven profile. In someembodiments the retriever 108 is curved convexly towards its inner axisor concavely away from it; this curve may be even along its length ordifferent shapes. In some embodiments the retriever 108 may beirregularly shaped or otherwise non-symmetrical around an inner axis. Insome embodiments the retriever 108 may be curved away from its inneraxis at its proximal 116 or distal ends 118.

In some embodiments, the retriever 108 is wrapped so that only a smallportion of one side overlaps with the other, while in some variationsthe retriever 108 is a spiral and may wrap around itself numerous times,or only once, depending on the needs of the situation. In someembodiments, the retriever 108 is of a different shape than conical; itmay be selected from the list including, but not limited to,cylindrical, frustum, cubic, or pyramidal. The retriever 108, whenunrolled, may take a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,triangle, rectangular, square, circular, a regular or irregular polygonof n sides, or a hybrid or combination thereof. In some embodiments theretriever 108 overlaps itself with a gap of 100 micrometers to 2centimeters at times it overlaps, though in some embodiments the overlapmay vary around the retriever 108 of the device.

In some embodiments the shaft is configured to be telescoping or breakon a hinge or other means at specific points in order to reduce orincrease its length. In some embodiments the shaft is connected to ahandle portion, said handle may be utilized to allow a user to adjustthe retriever 108, such as causing it to tighten or close upon a certainactivation parameter.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein describedcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussionaccompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptualclarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated.Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and theaccompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their moregeneral classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended tobe representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specificcomponents (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be takenlimiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable/operativeto,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc.Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g.“configured to”) generally encompass active-state components and/orinactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unlesscontext requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects. It will be understood by those within the artthat, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as “open”terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “includingbut not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “havingat least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.).

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosureof these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the inventionshould be determined by reference to the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device, the device comprising: a shafthaving a proximal end and a distal end; and a retriever coupled to thedistal end of the shaft and having; a flange projecting therefrom, aproximal aperture, and a distal aperture.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the retriever is formed of a substantially rectangular piece ofmaterial.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the retriever issubstantially conical in shape with the proximal aperture located at abase end and the distal aperture located at a tip end.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the flange is substantially semicircular in shape. 5.The device of claim 4, wherein the flange is bent away from theretriever and curves inward towards it.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the flange is positioned on an outer edge of the retriever andtowards the proximal aperture of the retriever.
 7. The device of claim1, wherein the flange is curved towards the retriever.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the flange is tapered from an inner to an outer edge.9. The device of claim 1, wherein the retriever is at least partiallyflexible.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximal aperture iswider than the distal aperture.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein anouter surface of the retriever is trumpeted such that there is a sharpercurve towards a central point between the proximal aperture and thedistal aperture.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the retriever iscomposed of a non-conductive material.
 13. The device of claim 1,wherein the device is composed of a disposable material.
 14. The deviceof claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the retriever is tapered fromthe proximal aperture to the distal aperture such that the distalaperture is smaller than the proximal aperture.
 15. The device of claim1, wherein the shaft is configured to removably couple to the retriever.16. The device of claim 15, wherein the shaft is removably, frictionallycoupled to the retriever.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the shaftis fixed to the retriever.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein theretriever is composed of a disposable material.
 19. A surgical device,the device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;and a retriever comprising a substantially square, flat surface with anouter edge, an inner edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, rolled into aspiral shape and coupled to the distal end of the shaft and having; aflange projecting from a proximal point on the outer edge, a proximalaperture formed by the bottom edge, and a distal aperture formed by thetop edge.
 20. A surgical device, the device comprising: a substantiallycylindrical shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and aretriever comprising a substantially square, flat surface with an outeredge, an inner edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, rolled into asubstantially conical spiral shape and coupled to the distal end of theshaft and having; a semi-circular flange projecting from a proximalpoint on the outer edge, a proximal aperture formed by the bottom edge,and a distal aperture configured to be smaller than the proximalaperture and formed by the top edge.